Category: January 2025

LACC to build courier terminal at Carrasco airport

Render Terminal Courier_LACC resizedLatin America Cargo City (LACC) will transform the old passenger terminal at Carrasco International Airport into a courier terminal to handle e-commerce cargo.

More than $10 million will be invested in constructing a new building covering more than 5,000 square metres to expand operational capacity and consolidate LACC’s position as a logistics hub for Uruguay.

Bruno Guella, General Manager of LACC, says, “The investment will improve infrastructure, operational capacity and services, and therefore will have a direct and positive impact, both on the experience of courier companies and on the end customer of international e-commerce, who will have access to a simpler and more agile process.”

The building will have space for courier operations, new flight reception areas and loading areas for vans and lorries, providing capacity to respond to demand.

Equipment and technology in the building will include vertical warehouses for automated storage of packages and cold rooms with varying temperature ranges.

Individual areas will be made available to customers who require exclusive operations.

There will also be corporate offices and multipurpose rooms among other capacities.

The project responds to rising e-commerce shipments arriving in Uruguay with official Customs figures reporting a 170% increase in the number of shipments during the second half of 2024 compared to 2023.

Guella says, “Globally, there has been a notable increase in e-commerce products, and Uruguay is no stranger to this trend. This has been an unprecedented challenge for the different airports in the world, which are committed to solutions of various types to address this reality.”

The courier terminal will have dedicated staff and operate 24/7/365 and benefit from the integration of Customs, companies and other organisations that work in the sector.

Work will start next month (February 2025) with construction of the new building starting mid-2025 with the aim of inaugurating the building in the second half of 2026.

Mallaghan CT6000E makes debut at Boston Logan Airport

Mallaghan electric catering truck resizedMallaghan has delivered the first fully electric refrigerated catering truck at Boston Logan International Airport.

The CT6000E, which will be operated by catering company DO & CO, was unveiled in Boston during a ceremony attended by Governor Maura Healey, State Representative Adrian Madaro and Boston City Councillor Gabriela Coletta-Zopata.

The catering truck is the result of a collaboration between Mallaghan and International Motors, which is powered by an electric powertrain, eliminating tailpipe emissions, reducing noise pollution and aligning with efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from GSE.

Joe Griffith, Chief Commercial Officer of Mallaghan, said: “The CT6000E not only reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability but also supports our partners in their pursuit of greener, safer and more efficient operations.”

The CT6000E features new technologies to improve efficiency and safety including an advanced aircraft-controlled approach system to reduce aircraft damage, a 360 degree Birds Eye camera system with an onboard hard drive and on-board telemetry.

Debbie Shust, Vice President of Customer Insights and Experience at International Motors, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Mallaghan to introduce the first fully electric aircraft catering truck in North America—a testament to what’s possible through purposeful collaboration centred around helping customers reach their goals. This innovative zero-emissions vehicle highlights our commitment to delivering products and services that meet each customer’s unique needs.”

TCR to provide New Terminal One with pooled eGSE

TCR eGSE fleet for New Terminal One resized

TCR will provide the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport with a centralised fleet of electric GSE, which will be pooled by ground handlers.

The new terminal, which is scheduled to open next year, will be the first airport terminal in the world to procure a centralised all-electric GSE fleet, which will be shared by ground handlers.

The shared model is designed to reduce environmental impact, improve costs and optimise equipment usage in contrast to the conventional model where ground handlers individually own or lease their own equipment.

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK airport, which includes two new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation centre and a new, simplified road network.

Operating the electric GSE fleet through the pooling model is a key part of New Terminal One’s sustainability strategy, which supports the Port Authority’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its airports and facilities by 2050.

Jennifer Aument, CEO of New Terminal One, said: “We are delighted to partner with TCR on this innovative collaboration for all-electric ground support equipment, which will contribute to seamless operations for our partner airlines and a best-in-class experience for their customers.”

Kristof Philips, CEO of TCR Airport Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to contribute to this groundbreaking initiative. This project highlights our dedication to sustainability and innovation, setting a worldwide model for the aviation industry.”

TCR’s electric GSE fleet integrates advanced fleet management technology to provide real-time data to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.

The pooling model is designed will reduce emissions as electric equipment eliminates tailpipe emissions and improves air quality, provides cost efficiencies by minimising equipment redundancy, and electric GSE reduces overall energy consumption.

TCR says the pooling model makes it easier for ground handlers to participate in competitive bids as they will only provide the manpower operate GSE without having the purchase their own equipment.

Air India awards multiple contracts to SATS and WFS

Members of the SATS WFS and Air India teams resizedAir India has awarded SATS and its wholly-owned subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) contracts at major airports in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

The airline renewed 11 contracts and awarded 14 new contracts for ground and cargo handling services after a global tendering process.

The new stations include Chicago, Washington Dulles, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Milan, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

Bob Chi, CEO Gateway Services APAC at SATS, said: “Our extensive capabilities and global network, along with the exceptional service our teams provide, uniquely position us to offer unparalleled international coverage to our airline partners. We highly value our partnership with Air India and are excited to represent the airline at these locations.”

Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, added: “Streamlining our logistics processes and enhancing service levels across passengers and cargo are instrumental to the ongoing transformation of Air India. By strengthening our partnership with SATS and WFS, we look forward to delivering a world-class operation for our customers around the world.”